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The excerpt represents the core issue or deciding factor on which you must meditate, and is drawn from The Symposium by Xenophon: swords[21] was introduced; and into the centre of this ring of knives
and out of it again the girl threw somersaults backwards, forwards,
several times, till the spectators were in terror of some accident;
but with the utmost coolness and without mishap the girl completed her
performance.
[21] See Becker, "Char." p. 101. Cf. Plat. "Symp." 190; "Euthyd." 294.
Here Socrates, appealing to Antisthenes: None of the present company,
I take it, who have watched this spectacle will ever again deny that
courage can be taught,[22] when the girl there, woman should she be,
rushes so boldly into the midst of swords.
[22] Cf. "Mem." III. ix. 1.
The Symposium |
